Monthly Archives: February 2015

The Bowen Technique seems very oddball at first glance. But it is any thing but oddball when you take a closer look:

The Bowen Technique can be described in terms of acupuncture- without the needles. Acupoint theory and associated techniques like acupuncture and shiatsu have been studied and applied for thousands of years. Acupuncture is an accepted practice by virtually all medical societies of the world. It is based on the energetic system of the body.

This is where the beginning of the resistance to “energywork” begins. We are not accustom to thinking of the body in terms of energy. We see, feel, experience our body as a dense, physical, moving and feeling structure. But what makes that structure function? Energy. And what is that energy? Where does it come from? How does it work?

We do not have widely accepted answers to most of these questions but the fact remains- we are energetic beings. Our bodies are energetic bodies. If we didn’t have energy running through our bodies we would cease to exist- death would occur.

The Chinese spent thousands of years studying and mapping the energy system of the body. The meridian system was developed. The meridian system is like a freeway system with points being intersections of the various roadways. Just like when intersections on a roadway are jammed , traffic does not flow- so it is with our body- if the meridian points are jammed, our vital energy cannot flow and musculoskeletal problems (dysfunction) or disease happens.

These meridian points tend to be located where nerves enter a muscle, the midpoint of the muscle, or at the enthesis where the muscle joins with the bone. This is important. This is why Bowen Therapy works.

The technique involves stimulation of various points on the body (depending on the issue at hand)- often at or near meridian points. These points are part of the autonomic nervous system that runs our body- that cause the body to function properly (or not if disease or dysfunction are present). When these points are stimulated by movement or pressure, signals are sent to the brain alerting the brain that there is a problem in this area. The brain responds with chemicals that cause the muscle or tendon to move/change tension allowing a more free flowing of energy through this area thus restoring the body to proper form and function. Our physical bodies heal.

The science is complicated. The Bowen Technique itself is not. It’s safe. It’s painless. And it works. Visit one of the world’s 30,000 practicing Bowen Therapists and find out for yourself how amazing this form of physical therapy is.